If gout symptoms have occurred off and on without
treatment for more than 10 years, uric acid crystals may have built up in the
joints to form gritty, chalky nodules called
tophi. If tophi are causing infection, pain, pressure,
and deformed joints, your doctor may be able to treat them with medicine. If this doesn't work, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
June 12, 2012

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